Holiday Gift Guide & Giveaway: Making Memories

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What defines EXTRA SPECIAL you ask? I am sure each person has their own definition but for me, its that gift that will always hold a special place in your heart.

As a child, I didn’t grow up with that special doll, or any doll for that matter having grown up on that other side of the track. I remember each year praying and wishing for a special doll friend to dress and share my secrets with. Those years came and went. Now a mother myself, my heart was filled with joy when my daughter got her first real doll friend, a Dollie and MeRachel Doll. There is an Ava doll that was a blond haired, blue eyed personality match but as my own Ava told me, there can’t be TWO Ava’s and I agreed. Yes I admit I’m living vicariously through my daughter. At 18″, they are beautifully and realistically crafted. Girls can have matching outfits, sleepwear and of course accessories like jewelry and handbags with their 18″ best friend. We got Rachel at just the right time too as my Ava had just become a BIG sister. Rachel has taught her a lot about how to be a good big sister and how she can help mommy. She can often be found walking Rachel in her doll stroller, dressing her in the morning, combing her hair and getting ready for the day. Dollie and Me dolls aren’t just any ordinary toy, these are dolls that will be cherished for a lifetime. Parents can appreciate that they encourages learning, sharing and imagination through intelligent play. Dollie and Me Dolls are available at Sears and Dillardswith retail prices around $29.99-$34.99. Matching outfits and accessories for girls and dolls can be purchased online at Amazon.com, Dillards, Sears and Kohl’s.

Gund 30th Anniversary 15″ Snuffles Bear Yes, this is EXTRA special. Snuffles holds an extra special place in my heart. Snuffles was one of the few gifts I got as a child and I still have my medium snow white snuffles which I gave to my daughter when she was born. To this day, he still sits in her bed. His coat is not so white as much as its a dusty ivory but he’s still super soft and I look at him with fondness. Hard to believe he’s 30 this year too! This lovable plush features a special 30th birthday commemorative medallion and is available in caramel frosted-tip or chocolate frosted tip.

Before the days of video games, families near and far use to get together and bond over board games. Recently my friends and I have indulged in a little nostalgia by whipping up a game of Scattergories. I couldn’t remember laughing so hard in ages as we teamed up and tried to have the most unique answers to score the highest points. Sometimes its the simplest things in life that can bring a smile to your face. Maybe after opening all the presents your family will engage in a game of Scattergories, Clue or LIFE?

What’s Christmas without snow? I always found it hard to imagine Christmas anywhere else but in New York City, of course it had to be a White New York City. The first big snowfall is a huge deal in our house. Growing up I remember running around town looking for the biggest hill to go sledding. Christmas’ with my family now includes my husband digging and building the biggest mini hill in our backyard for the 6 year old (6yo) and toddler to enjoy. With the infant joining in the mix this year we’re running out of sleds! The infant has inherited the mini sled from his big sister, handed down first from the 6yo. The toddler will now be riding the snow tube which once was the 6yo’s as well. What does the 6 year old get for his generosity? He’s graduated to his very own ZipFy Luge by Discovery Toys! At a mere 3.5 lbs, he won’t be breaking his back hauling it up the hill over and over again. Compact and fast, it is made of high-density polyethylene plastic, engineered for performance, safety and maneuverability on every type of snow. It features a feet-first design so that riders can control their speed and stop by digging their heels into the snow. With a low center of gravity and the rail design on the underbelly of the sled, riders can carve down the slopes, simply by leaning into the turn just like the Olympians. Next year maybe we’ll be trolling the neighborhood for the largest hill too!

I love my family and making memories during the holidays! Don’t you!

GIVEAWAY: Enter to win (1)Gund 30th Anniversary 15″ Snuffles Bear or (1) of 2 Dollie and Me Outfits or your choice of Scattergories Categories, The Game of Life or Clue Classic Edition Board Games. To ENTER, from now until December 31st 2010, fill out this FORM and tell which of the gifts you’d like to win and who it is for. Get up to (two) bonus entries. 1st Bonus – If you follow me on twitter@momconfessional and re-tweet this giveaway (I just entered @momconfessional’s amazing Holiday Gift Guide & GIVEAWAY! You should too! http://wp.me/pLvfH-Cw) 2nd Bonus – If you “like” us on Facebook and share the giveaway with your friends. DON’T FORGET to visit this FORM again and leave a separate entry for each action. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses and must be 18 years or older. Giveaway ends on December 31st 2010 at 11:59 EST. A winner will be selected randomly by Random.org and notified by e-mail.

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Suzanne is student, daughter, wife, (labor & delivery) certified registered nurse, certified lactation counselor, friend, entrepreneur and blogger – but the job she's most proud of is mother… She shares her journey on this blog and The Disney Files.
Read more about her here.